As a 16-year-old girl, I remember being fascinated by that laptop, which came with the classy Apple logo on the lid and had the most premium build I had ever seen. But I was also aware that due to its price, it was unaffordable for my family at the time. So, being the good elder daughter, I politely settled for a Windows laptop that fit our budget. Now, had Apple launched something like the MacBook Neo back then, it would have begun my relationship with the brand much sooner.
SurveyFast forward to 2026, I have been using MacBooks for nearly six years now, with my journey starting back in 2020 with the MacBook Air M1. And with its latest launch, the MacBook Neo, it feels like Apple is trying to solve exactly that problem I once had. I have been using the device for just a day and it already feels like it belongs in my backpack. The review unit that has reached the Digit Test Labs is Citrus in colour. It is also the base variant, which costs Rs 69,900 and is the most affordable MacBook you can buy today. So, how has the experience been so far? Read on to find out.
Also read: MacBook Neo 2 to come with touchscreen display? Here’s what we know
Exciting design and premium build
The first thing that comes to mind when you think of a MacBook is the design language and premium build. Over the years, we have seen MacBooks in various sizes and colours. But had we ever seen one in an almost lime-greenish shade? Not until now. The Citrus colour is for all those who love experimenting with how their laptops look. It adds a personality to the MacBook and is a very refreshing colour option. I found people in the office looking at the device when I was carrying it to and fro from our studio. It doesn’t just get attention; it stands out in a crowd. And that’s purely due to Apple’s design magic.
But apart from the colour, the Neo comes in a compact design and can easily be held in one hand. It also weighs the same as a MacBook Air M1, so carrying it around in a backpack should not be an issue. I am personally waiting for the weekend to hit so that I can check how many tote bags I can fit the Neo in, even the medium-sized ones.
The build, as you would expect, screams premium at every inch and corner. The laptop easily swung open with one hand and its hinge mechanism also appears to be quite solid. There is the classic matte finish all over the chassis and the Apple logo sits proudly in the centre, blending in with the lid’s colour. Apple says the MacBook Neo is made from a ‘durable recycled aluminium enclosure’, which adds to both the sturdiness and its overall appeal.
Display and initial performance
When you open the laptop, you will be greeted by the 13-inch display. Now we all know how Apple has had a strong reputation for its display quality. And the MacBook Neo, at its price, seems to have lived up to it. The laptop comes with a 500-nit display that is just right for indoor use. I haven’t tested the laptop in other lighting conditions yet and will be talking more about it in my full review.
But as of now, the display seems sharp and bright enough. I browsed the internet, watched a couple of YouTube videos, used Google Docs, and used it to mirror the screen from my iPhone. And I quite liked what I was seeing.
Coming to the specs, the display supports up to 1 billion colours and covers the sRGB space. However, it is worth mentioning that the display does not target wider colour gamuts like DCI P3. Now, does that make a difference for a student or a regular working professional? Probably not. But does it matter for professionals working on colour-sensitive projects? Probably yes. But they also might need much heavier compute power than the A18 Pro chip. Something I’ll again address in detail in my full review.
Also, you just read that right. The A18 Pro chipset is the one powering this new affordable MacBook. This is an iPhone chipset (iPhone 16 Pro to be exact) and yes, this is capable of handling almost everything you throw at it on a regular Monday morning. At the time of writing this, there are around 15 tabs open in Safari and the laptop is in no mood to slow down at all. Rest, app launch times are as quick as I am used to and I could even work on three things at once without any hiccups.
On a closing note, the MacBook Neo seems to be a very capable device with which Apple is trying to do something new. It targets budget-conscious people, is the most affordable and latest MacBook you can buy today, and comes in some exciting colour options. The laptop is also a great fit for first-time MacBook buyers who just want to get into the Apple ecosystem.
A detailed review of the MacBook Neo will be out here on Digit soon, so stay tuned.
Also read: Ex-Windows head blown away by Apple’s MacBook Neo, says this is where we went wrong
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Divyanshi Sharma
Divyanshi Sharma is a media and communications professional with over 8 years of experience in the industry. With a strong background in tech journalism, she has covered everything from the latest gadgets to gaming trends and brings a sharp editorial lens to every story. She holds a master’s diploma in mass communication and a bachelor’s degree in English literature. Her love for writing and gaming began early—often skipping classes to try out the latest titles—which naturally evolved into a career at the intersection of technology and storytelling. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her exploring virtual worlds on her console or PC, or testing out a new laptop she managed to get her hands on. View Full Profile
